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Marvells of Montana #2
The Christmas Secret
Trapped in a cabin in a raging blizzard with the one man on earth who could turn her world upside down…this Christmas holiday was not playing out at all the way Lil Reynolds had planned. Not even close.
When Lil’s former fiancé chose to marry on Christmas Eve—the day he and Lil had planned to marry one year ago—she knew she had to get out of town for the holidays. Heading to the isolated family cabin seemed like the perfect solution, until the blizzard came…and a man showed up at her door in the heart of the storm. Casey Lanigan. Her ex-fiancé’s brother. A man with whom she shared a secret summer romance many years ago. A man who’d betrayed her trust. A man who, despite everything, still made her heart beat a little harder…
So much for a Lanigan-free holiday.
When Lil’s former fiancé chose to marry on Christmas Eve—the day he and Lil had planned to marry one year ago—she knew she had to get out of town for the holidays. Heading to the isolated family cabin seemed like the perfect solution, until the blizzard came…and a man showed up at her door in the heart of the storm. Casey Lanigan. Her ex-fiancé’s brother. A man with whom she shared a secret summer romance many years ago. A man who’d betrayed her trust. A man who, despite everything, still made her heart beat a little harder…
So much for a Lanigan-free holiday.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2015
1460 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
Jeannie Watt
111 books140 followersJeannie Watt lives on a small cattle ranch and hay farm in southwest Montana. When she's not writing, she enjoys making mosaic mirrors, sewing, and pretending that the house is neat and tidy.
Jeannie loves to hear from readers. Please contact her via her website www.jeanniewatt.com.
Jeannie loves to hear from readers. Please contact her via her website www.jeanniewatt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
November 26, 2015
When you grow up in a household filled with uncertainty you tend to have trust issues. At least that was the case for Lil Reynolds and Casey Lanigan. Yet, for two totally different reasons.
You see Lil grew up with a father who just didn’t give a damn about anything or anybody, except a good stiff drink. He was better known as Cherry Lake, Montana’s number one drunk. Which in turn taught her shame and how to not show fear by being an extravert which she totally was not. She was a girl who was filled with fear of what her dad would do or what he was up to or at what he was up to next. The only time he ever slowed down, was when it was the Christmas season. Always giving false hope that this time he would give it up and she and her mom would or could be a part of his life or at least and important part.
As for Casey, he has a father who had and who could not find anything good in anything he did. He was always riding his ass. Letting him know he wasn’t good enough so he started to believe it. Once he started to act out to prove it to his father, right then, it was a downhill spiral.
Lil came to work for his father at the Lanigan Greenhouses. She was assigned to work with him. She was excited because from the minute she saw him she was in love but she was also scared for he was a risk taker. Why he had been to Juvie and all the mischief he got into. So far the first three weeks they co-existed. Until one broke the ice then it was lunching together, talking, and secretly making out. With the understanding she could not handle him being arrested and acting out. He said okay.
Then the worst happened Casey was arrested for the second time. He tried to explain it away but she wasn’t having any of it and she said they were over. He couldn’t believe it she wasn’t willing to give him a second chance. So, he left town to make something of himself to prove he could for her. She went off to grad school.
Eight years later thing have changed and not for the good. In those eight years he had come home once to tell her he had made it and she was dating his younger brother. Then the next thing he hears their getting engaged due to marry on Christmas Eve. Then he hears they broke up and she was the one that called it off and their grandmother had something to do with it. Curtis was engaged now to another woman and didn’t have the balls to tell his fiancé that they were getting married on the date that he and Lil were to marry.
Casey was already called home to work the Greenhouses for his father had a heart attack. Therefore, he was available to be the best man and the duties needed to be done. Then, the day before the wedding he and his father once again fight he quits the greenhouses and is going back to the business he sold. He needs to get his gear from the cabin up at the mountains where he stored it all. He didn’t know there was a storm coming in. He’s able to get his stuff but he get stuck on his way down. Just before he is passing Lil’s cabin.
You see it so happens that Lil who never ever goes to the cabin in winter decided to go in order to get away from all the “Oh you poor girl looks.” The town people were giving her. So she took her cat and headed to the cabin taking all the Christmas cheer she could with her. She had music playing, she had cinnamon stick with cloves on the stove, and started decorating. When she was sitting by the fire she hears something on the porch. Not sure what it could be. When she hears a faint knock. “No way,” was her first thought because like herself no one would be out in this. This storm wasn’t supposed to even come in their direction but it did. So, who could it be? She looks out and there is someone she opens it and in stumbles Casey.
She left in order to get away from the Lanigan’s and the wedding stuff and now they were coming to her. She was not a happy camper. But he is wet to his waist. So, she takes him in and things are strained.
This is a very cute story. How Lil and Casey work through the past hurts and mistakes. There were some slow spots for me but overall it was good. I would give it 3 ½ - 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
You see Lil grew up with a father who just didn’t give a damn about anything or anybody, except a good stiff drink. He was better known as Cherry Lake, Montana’s number one drunk. Which in turn taught her shame and how to not show fear by being an extravert which she totally was not. She was a girl who was filled with fear of what her dad would do or what he was up to or at what he was up to next. The only time he ever slowed down, was when it was the Christmas season. Always giving false hope that this time he would give it up and she and her mom would or could be a part of his life or at least and important part.
As for Casey, he has a father who had and who could not find anything good in anything he did. He was always riding his ass. Letting him know he wasn’t good enough so he started to believe it. Once he started to act out to prove it to his father, right then, it was a downhill spiral.
Lil came to work for his father at the Lanigan Greenhouses. She was assigned to work with him. She was excited because from the minute she saw him she was in love but she was also scared for he was a risk taker. Why he had been to Juvie and all the mischief he got into. So far the first three weeks they co-existed. Until one broke the ice then it was lunching together, talking, and secretly making out. With the understanding she could not handle him being arrested and acting out. He said okay.
Then the worst happened Casey was arrested for the second time. He tried to explain it away but she wasn’t having any of it and she said they were over. He couldn’t believe it she wasn’t willing to give him a second chance. So, he left town to make something of himself to prove he could for her. She went off to grad school.
Eight years later thing have changed and not for the good. In those eight years he had come home once to tell her he had made it and she was dating his younger brother. Then the next thing he hears their getting engaged due to marry on Christmas Eve. Then he hears they broke up and she was the one that called it off and their grandmother had something to do with it. Curtis was engaged now to another woman and didn’t have the balls to tell his fiancé that they were getting married on the date that he and Lil were to marry.
Casey was already called home to work the Greenhouses for his father had a heart attack. Therefore, he was available to be the best man and the duties needed to be done. Then, the day before the wedding he and his father once again fight he quits the greenhouses and is going back to the business he sold. He needs to get his gear from the cabin up at the mountains where he stored it all. He didn’t know there was a storm coming in. He’s able to get his stuff but he get stuck on his way down. Just before he is passing Lil’s cabin.
You see it so happens that Lil who never ever goes to the cabin in winter decided to go in order to get away from all the “Oh you poor girl looks.” The town people were giving her. So she took her cat and headed to the cabin taking all the Christmas cheer she could with her. She had music playing, she had cinnamon stick with cloves on the stove, and started decorating. When she was sitting by the fire she hears something on the porch. Not sure what it could be. When she hears a faint knock. “No way,” was her first thought because like herself no one would be out in this. This storm wasn’t supposed to even come in their direction but it did. So, who could it be? She looks out and there is someone she opens it and in stumbles Casey.
She left in order to get away from the Lanigan’s and the wedding stuff and now they were coming to her. She was not a happy camper. But he is wet to his waist. So, she takes him in and things are strained.
This is a very cute story. How Lil and Casey work through the past hurts and mistakes. There were some slow spots for me but overall it was good. I would give it 3 ½ - 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
November 17, 2015
This is a delightful second chance romance set mainly in the mountains near Cherry Lake, Montana.
Lil Reynolds has grown up in Cherry Lake and is well known there as a regular volunteer and supporter of community events. Unfortunately the event happening on christmas eve this year is her ex-fiance is getting married, on the same date they had planned. Now she’s the one that broke their engagement but the sympathetic comments and looks from others are starting to get to her so she's planned on escaping alone to her mountain cabin for the festive season. Well, that’s what she planned!
Casey Lanigan is the older brother of Lil’s ex - and another very secret ex boyfriend of Lil. He’s the ‘bad boy’ of the family, always being criticised by his father, never seemingly able to do anything right but Lil and he worked together well in his family’s firm and were in a developing but secret relationship until he got arrested and she ran. He’s back in town, having made a success of his life, he’s due to be best man at his brother’s wedding but he’s argued with his father one more time and now plans on leaving Cherry Lake again. He’s never forgotten Lil and when he ends up in a blizzard and stuck in the isolated cottage with her, they’re both having to come to terms with their past and to decide what they want for the future - together or apart?
This is a great addition to the Cherry Lake series, a quick read where it is very easy to empathise with the two main characters, especially Casey and the drama in their history, a delightful festive read with a lovely HEA ending.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
Lil Reynolds has grown up in Cherry Lake and is well known there as a regular volunteer and supporter of community events. Unfortunately the event happening on christmas eve this year is her ex-fiance is getting married, on the same date they had planned. Now she’s the one that broke their engagement but the sympathetic comments and looks from others are starting to get to her so she's planned on escaping alone to her mountain cabin for the festive season. Well, that’s what she planned!
Casey Lanigan is the older brother of Lil’s ex - and another very secret ex boyfriend of Lil. He’s the ‘bad boy’ of the family, always being criticised by his father, never seemingly able to do anything right but Lil and he worked together well in his family’s firm and were in a developing but secret relationship until he got arrested and she ran. He’s back in town, having made a success of his life, he’s due to be best man at his brother’s wedding but he’s argued with his father one more time and now plans on leaving Cherry Lake again. He’s never forgotten Lil and when he ends up in a blizzard and stuck in the isolated cottage with her, they’re both having to come to terms with their past and to decide what they want for the future - together or apart?
This is a great addition to the Cherry Lake series, a quick read where it is very easy to empathise with the two main characters, especially Casey and the drama in their history, a delightful festive read with a lovely HEA ending.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
January 2, 2018
This was short and sweet - the perfect story to read during the Holidays! Lil's ex-fiancé is getting married on Christmas - the same date that she planned on marrying him last year, so she runs away to a cabin in order to scape the the pity looks people around town were giving her and she plans on celebrating the holidays all by herself.
However, there's a turn of events. An intruder knocks on her door rekindling all sorts of feelings and they are trapped in the cabin together because of the snow storm. This was the cutest story ever. It's all about love and letting go of old grudges. I loved the writing and how the author went right to the point.
There aren't unnecessary internal monologues or boring scenes. It took me two days to read it, but I'm pretty I could have done it in one sitting if I hadn't been reading other books at the same time. I cannot recommend this enough. If you're still in the mood for a christmassy books, this is the one for you. I got it for free on my Kindle. I'm not sure if it's still available for free, but if it isn't, I'm sure it's still fairly cheap.
For more book reviews and other bookish things: www.letmecrossover.blogspot.com
However, there's a turn of events. An intruder knocks on her door rekindling all sorts of feelings and they are trapped in the cabin together because of the snow storm. This was the cutest story ever. It's all about love and letting go of old grudges. I loved the writing and how the author went right to the point.
There aren't unnecessary internal monologues or boring scenes. It took me two days to read it, but I'm pretty I could have done it in one sitting if I hadn't been reading other books at the same time. I cannot recommend this enough. If you're still in the mood for a christmassy books, this is the one for you. I got it for free on my Kindle. I'm not sure if it's still available for free, but if it isn't, I'm sure it's still fairly cheap.
For more book reviews and other bookish things: www.letmecrossover.blogspot.com
November 13, 2015
When Lil Reynolds decides to get out of town and spend Christmas alone in her mountain cabin to avoid her ex-fiance's getting married she didn't expect to have a blizzard hit the mountains. Lil also didn't expect her other ex-boyfriend Casey Lanigan to come knocking at the door when his truck gets stuck in the snow. Casey also happens to be the brother of the man Lil was going to marry one year before that she had come to the cabin to escape from.
One of my favorite types of romance reads are the rekindling of an old flame. While I completely enjoyed the story of being stuck in the cabin with an old flame that where there were still some feelings left after the years, the one thing I couldn't help but wonder throughout was why in the world did Lil ever date both brothers to begin with? Had it not been Casey's brother Lil was hiding from I probably would've rated this higher, still a good read though.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
One of my favorite types of romance reads are the rekindling of an old flame. While I completely enjoyed the story of being stuck in the cabin with an old flame that where there were still some feelings left after the years, the one thing I couldn't help but wonder throughout was why in the world did Lil ever date both brothers to begin with? Had it not been Casey's brother Lil was hiding from I probably would've rated this higher, still a good read though.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
June 15, 2017
Not a very christmassy story . Boring, uninteresting characters. Yawn.
November 10, 2018
A cute story about second chance and second loves.
Want to read
October 30, 2017FREE on Amazon today (10/30/2017)!
December 8, 2015
3.5 stars. A couple holed up in a cabin whilst a blizzard blows outside is a bit like catnip to me. And Jeannie Watt delivers this with a short romantic story of second-chance love.
"Casey Lanigan attracted trouble and Lil avoided trouble whenever possible."
I have to confess I was a little unsure over Lil going into this. She dated Casey Lanigan whilst they were younger but his wild ways drove them apart and she ended up engaged to his brother, Curtis. With a broken engagement and Curtis marrying someone else on the same date (different year) they were due to marry on, she shuts herself off in her cabin with her cat. Until Casey turns up, stranded in the snow with no way of getting to his family's cabin.
The author has created a story that delves in to this couple's pasts, and brings some depth to their reignited feelings. Both were endearing and whilst it had more of a HFN feel as a HEA is was an enjoyable way to spend an hour.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
"Casey Lanigan attracted trouble and Lil avoided trouble whenever possible."
I have to confess I was a little unsure over Lil going into this. She dated Casey Lanigan whilst they were younger but his wild ways drove them apart and she ended up engaged to his brother, Curtis. With a broken engagement and Curtis marrying someone else on the same date (different year) they were due to marry on, she shuts herself off in her cabin with her cat. Until Casey turns up, stranded in the snow with no way of getting to his family's cabin.
The author has created a story that delves in to this couple's pasts, and brings some depth to their reignited feelings. Both were endearing and whilst it had more of a HFN feel as a HEA is was an enjoyable way to spend an hour.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
December 9, 2020
Lil wants to spend Christmas alone in her Montana cabin, avoiding her small town and the Dec. 25 wedding of Curtis, her former fiancé, to his new girl. She's just getting settled in with her cat when a half-frozen man arrives on her porch. Surprise, it's Curtis' brother, Casey, the black sheep of the family. He got caught in the blizzard and would have died had the cabin not been reachable. Now Lil and Casey are snowed in, and they're rehashing the romance that burned out fast, before it had a chance to get going. Before Casey broke her heart and headed for South America, leaving her to fall in like with Curtis.
But only like. Love had to wait for Casey to come home, it turns out.
This is a predictable romance, but the fun is in seeing how the predictable end comes about. How the two of them overcome the challenges. A fast, enjoyable read.
But only like. Love had to wait for Casey to come home, it turns out.
This is a predictable romance, but the fun is in seeing how the predictable end comes about. How the two of them overcome the challenges. A fast, enjoyable read.
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March 11, 2017Nice, easy story to get your feet wet if you are not into the full holiday spirit. Wish there was a flash forward for what happens afterwards between the two. This is a wonderful addition to the Secrets of Cherry Lake series as I have read The Secret Son (Secrets of Cherry Lake Book 2) by Joan Kilby and Her Secret Protector (Secrets of Cherry Lake Book 4) by Roxanne Snopek. The downfall is felt the book needed more length to it but that's just me.
This is a voluntary review via netgalley my thoughts are my own!
This is a voluntary review via netgalley my thoughts are my own!
April 4, 2018
All Lil Reynolds wants for Christmas is a Lanigan-free Christmas. Surely that isn’t too much to ask for. With her ex-fiance, Curtis Lanigan, set to marry on Christmas Eve, the same date a year ago she was to marry him, who could really blame her. So she decides to take matters into her own hands and sets up her own version of a solitaire Christmas getaway at her newly inherited secluded cabin. Problem is Santa Baby seems to have other plans….and so does Mother Nature. Who shows up at her door after a blizzard leaves him stranded right before Christmas? None other than Casey Lanigan, her ex’s brother who she once was in love with before dating Curtis.
***possible spoiler alert*****
I know what you are thinking. But this one really isn’t like that. I am not a fan of romances where the heroine has dated both brothers, either. Technically, Lil and Curtis didn’t get that far. They worked together at the Lanigan nursery when they were both really young. Though extremely attracted to one another, Lil decided she couldn’t take a chance on bad boy Casey after he got arrested twice for drunk, disorderly conduct. After all, she had enough of that drama being the daughter of the town drunk. So things really ended before they even began. Casey left town determined to be a better person, but returned to find Curtis, the safe/sensible, golden boy of their family, had started dating Lil when she came back from grad school.
Within the confines of the cabin and this 66 page novella, Lil and Casey eventually open up and reveal how they truly felt about each other. Since there are no details given regarding their dating, you don’t even know if Curtis and Lil had an intimate relationship.
Things heat up but soon quickly cool down when the snow plow arrives. With the snow and emotions pushed to the side, both return to Cherry Lake. Casey attends his brother’s wedding, but not before a true confessions moment in the limo where Curtis reveals all the facts behind Lil’s break-up. Lil returns to the cabin, and it is up to Casey to decide if he should leave town or try to have a relationship with Lil.
For such a short novella, the author did a good job of providing enough of a backdrop to set the stage for this reunion and second chance at love. You feel the chemistry, angst, past regret, and finally hope these two finally get their own HEA.
Title: The Christmas Secret, Author: Jeannie Watt, Pages: 66, stand-alone, HEA, no cheating, only one steamy scene.
(This review is based on NetGalley ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
***possible spoiler alert*****
I know what you are thinking. But this one really isn’t like that. I am not a fan of romances where the heroine has dated both brothers, either. Technically, Lil and Curtis didn’t get that far. They worked together at the Lanigan nursery when they were both really young. Though extremely attracted to one another, Lil decided she couldn’t take a chance on bad boy Casey after he got arrested twice for drunk, disorderly conduct. After all, she had enough of that drama being the daughter of the town drunk. So things really ended before they even began. Casey left town determined to be a better person, but returned to find Curtis, the safe/sensible, golden boy of their family, had started dating Lil when she came back from grad school.
Within the confines of the cabin and this 66 page novella, Lil and Casey eventually open up and reveal how they truly felt about each other. Since there are no details given regarding their dating, you don’t even know if Curtis and Lil had an intimate relationship.
Things heat up but soon quickly cool down when the snow plow arrives. With the snow and emotions pushed to the side, both return to Cherry Lake. Casey attends his brother’s wedding, but not before a true confessions moment in the limo where Curtis reveals all the facts behind Lil’s break-up. Lil returns to the cabin, and it is up to Casey to decide if he should leave town or try to have a relationship with Lil.
For such a short novella, the author did a good job of providing enough of a backdrop to set the stage for this reunion and second chance at love. You feel the chemistry, angst, past regret, and finally hope these two finally get their own HEA.
Title: The Christmas Secret, Author: Jeannie Watt, Pages: 66, stand-alone, HEA, no cheating, only one steamy scene.
(This review is based on NetGalley ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2015
This is a reunion romance for Lil and Casey. Eight years ago they were getting to know each other when Casey, only 21 at the time, did something stupid and stirred up the anxieties Lil had because of her alcoholic father.
Fast forward eight years and it's just a year since Lil called off her Christmas Eve wedding to Casey's brother Curtis. (I must say I wondered if she slept with him during the engagement because doing both brothers is kind of a downer in my opinion considering family gatherings and all).
Anyways, Curtis is marrying his new love ON CHRISTMAS EVE. So of course everyone is reminded of poor Lil who can't stand it and runs for the hills. Her families cabin just out of town in fact. She intends to hole up there over Christmas BY HERSELF and bake cookies.
Unfortunately, Casey gets caught in a blizzard while driving along her road and hers is the nearest cabin. They are forced to spend time together and resolve a lot of the things that pulled them apart in the first place. Only problem, she can't stand Casey's family after the way her breakup with Curtis went, and he's leaving town, AGAIN, for distant shores and a new job.
Overall a sweet read with a bit of the smexy and a satisfying ending.
Fast forward eight years and it's just a year since Lil called off her Christmas Eve wedding to Casey's brother Curtis. (I must say I wondered if she slept with him during the engagement because doing both brothers is kind of a downer in my opinion considering family gatherings and all).
Anyways, Curtis is marrying his new love ON CHRISTMAS EVE. So of course everyone is reminded of poor Lil who can't stand it and runs for the hills. Her families cabin just out of town in fact. She intends to hole up there over Christmas BY HERSELF and bake cookies.
Unfortunately, Casey gets caught in a blizzard while driving along her road and hers is the nearest cabin. They are forced to spend time together and resolve a lot of the things that pulled them apart in the first place. Only problem, she can't stand Casey's family after the way her breakup with Curtis went, and he's leaving town, AGAIN, for distant shores and a new job.
Overall a sweet read with a bit of the smexy and a satisfying ending.
December 20, 2016
I chose this free book because I like this author and the lovers reunion trope. This story was well-done even if not remarkable. The characters and the obstacles they faced were believable.
I appreciated how the author solved the antagonism between the hero and his father – no easy solutions.
I appreciated how the author solved the antagonism between the hero and his father – no easy solutions.
December 20, 2019
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/12/...
2.5 stars — This one was very mediocre for me. I didn’t connect with the characters, they fell flat for me. And honestly the story felt shallow and surface-like, if that makes any sense.
I had a hard time empathizing with Lil’s motivations from when she was younger and broke it off…and I had a hard time with how she hung on to some of those things. I sort of got how her father’s behavior affected her, but it just…wasn’t enough? Or something. I don’t know. I was annoyed with the bitchy way she interacted with Casey as well.
I enjoyed Casey a bit more…I felt his hurt, I understood his reactions. I still didn’t connect with him that strongly, but definitely moreso than Lil.
As for the romance? The antagonism lasted a bit long, so it made it hard to dive into their chemistry. In the end I just wasn’t that invested in them.
I prefer characters with a bit more fire and pizzazz…I prefer romance with more emotion… And on top of those things, parts of the story were repetitive. Like Casey would think something about his dealings with his father…and then in the next chapter he would say the same thing as though he hadn’t already thought it. It happened more than once.
So yeah. Bummer. Ah well, I think that’s the risk with these Christmas stories sometimes…
2.5 stars — This one was very mediocre for me. I didn’t connect with the characters, they fell flat for me. And honestly the story felt shallow and surface-like, if that makes any sense.
I had a hard time empathizing with Lil’s motivations from when she was younger and broke it off…and I had a hard time with how she hung on to some of those things. I sort of got how her father’s behavior affected her, but it just…wasn’t enough? Or something. I don’t know. I was annoyed with the bitchy way she interacted with Casey as well.
I enjoyed Casey a bit more…I felt his hurt, I understood his reactions. I still didn’t connect with him that strongly, but definitely moreso than Lil.
As for the romance? The antagonism lasted a bit long, so it made it hard to dive into their chemistry. In the end I just wasn’t that invested in them.
I prefer characters with a bit more fire and pizzazz…I prefer romance with more emotion… And on top of those things, parts of the story were repetitive. Like Casey would think something about his dealings with his father…and then in the next chapter he would say the same thing as though he hadn’t already thought it. It happened more than once.
So yeah. Bummer. Ah well, I think that’s the risk with these Christmas stories sometimes…
February 2, 2016
Lil is tired of the sympathy and looks she's been receiving. She hates sympathy. But everyone is feeling sorry for her since her former fiance is getting married on the very date that he was supposed to marry Lil. Lil is over him, but the sympathy is getting to be a bit much. So she heads for the family cabin in the mountains to get away. The last person she wants to see on her door step is Casey, her ex-fiance's brother. And unfortunately the first brother that she dated. Now they are stuck together in a blizzard and the air is going to be cleared.
Sweet, romantic short story. There wasn't a lot of back story or extra details on either the main couple or the secondary characters. It felt like I was jumping into the middle of the series. But the book worked well as a stand alone and I enjoyed reading it. Since the characters had a previous relationship, it didn't feel rushed. The author worked out some emotional issues with both of the characters and their families. Overall, I would recommend this to someone who wants a quick, sweet, Christmas story to read.
I received this book free of charge from Netgalley and Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Sweet, romantic short story. There wasn't a lot of back story or extra details on either the main couple or the secondary characters. It felt like I was jumping into the middle of the series. But the book worked well as a stand alone and I enjoyed reading it. Since the characters had a previous relationship, it didn't feel rushed. The author worked out some emotional issues with both of the characters and their families. Overall, I would recommend this to someone who wants a quick, sweet, Christmas story to read.
I received this book free of charge from Netgalley and Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2015
Jeannie wrote a good snowed in for a few days story. Usually these stories are strangers but this one is two people who know each other. They were close 8years ago. Spoiler. Lil is alone in her cabin as her close friend Casey comes in covered in snow. Spoiler. She hides from Casey's brother Curtis, her ex fiancee, who is getting married on her wedding date. Spoiler. Casey is here because of the wedding and he came to help his father as he had a heart attack. They don't do being close. Spoiler. They finally talk things out and see where they had problems. Jeannie worked everything into this story. You will get pulled into this story. You will feel so sad over their long time being apart. You may or may not need tissues. I liked this book. It is a really short read. I hope you choose to read this story Enjoy!
February 5, 2017
Predictably fun
I'm late reading Christmas stories this year, but what's a bad time for a cute holiday read?
This was short and sweet, perfect for now. Maybe because it was so short, I never felt really connected to the characters, but overall a good Christmas story though the "secret" wasn't much of a secret.
I did enjoy the premise of being caught in a snowstorm--so many scenarios that could go wrong. Or right.
Cute story.
I'm late reading Christmas stories this year, but what's a bad time for a cute holiday read?
This was short and sweet, perfect for now. Maybe because it was so short, I never felt really connected to the characters, but overall a good Christmas story though the "secret" wasn't much of a secret.
I did enjoy the premise of being caught in a snowstorm--so many scenarios that could go wrong. Or right.
Cute story.
November 3, 2015
Whats a girl to do when her ex fiancee is getting married on Christmas Eve when that was the date that would have been their wedding day?
What Lil decides to do and how it turns out makes a wonderful read, it might even make you cheer at how it ends or it might make you want to pled"Just give me the next two months."
What Lil decides to do and how it turns out makes a wonderful read, it might even make you cheer at how it ends or it might make you want to pled"Just give me the next two months."
December 31, 2016
This was a very sweet book about a second chance on a first love!!
I enjoyed it very much!
I enjoyed it very much!
November 28, 2020
3.5 stars
Not doing a detailed review, but just going to give my general thoughts on this story.
After reflecting a bit about this one, I think the biggest thing for me was the length of this book. It was short, therefore felt very rushed at times. I wanted more development between Casey and Lil as they worked through issues after their past breakup as well as the fact she was engaged to his brother. There was a lot of potential that could have lead to really angsty moments, but it I just wasn’t feeling it. Things just came together quickly especially the love scene. That was kind of jarring with the speed of how their relationship progressed. Like one minute Lil was like she wasn’t going to get involved with Casey again, the they have that kissy moment then bam there were bed. It was just too fast even though they did date in the past and feelings for each other were still there even if they didn’t acknowledge it right away. I just like it should have been more of drawn out experience. A more memorable experience especially since they were not physical in the past. I wanted it to feel more special than it did, instead of rushed like it was. That just disappointed me.
I did like the themes that were in this story, but I wished there was more like the tension and angst. I wish it had some more romantic Christmas moments. I wish there was more of them stranded together during the blizzard to be played up more. I just wanted more exploration that I got.
They did have some romantic moments that I enjoyed like the cookie making scene. I liked the end scene where he decorated the cabin so she could have her Christmas. There were a lot little he did that showed he cared about her. I thought it was very sweet and lovely.
I liked the growth that Casey made throughout not only the story but his life. I liked that after he got in trouble, which caused the breakup with Lil he decided that he wanted to change and become a better person. I liked he stood up to his father. It really showed how far he came. How much of a man that he really was now and that he was finally worthy of Lil. I really liked Casey as a character.
Lil I was lukewarm about. I get why she acted the way she did, but at the same time I think her reaction to Casey was just not my favorite. There was something about her that I just didn’t connect with. Something was missing for me from her.
Even though the elements were good, I just felt it was missing something. I wasn’t feeling what I think I should have been feeling while reading it. It was just lacking something for me. Partly I think it was because I didn’t connect Lil, but there was also something more than that. It just felt lukewarm. There needed to be more development, more pacing, and less rushing. It wasn’t satisfying when the love scene happened because it was just too rushed. There was tension there between Casey and Lil, but again I didn’t feel it in a meaningful way. I did like Casey. I did like the Christmas moments that did happen. There were quite a few cute and tender moments between them, and I wished there were more of them. Overall it as just an okay read for me. I thought I was going to like it a lot more than I did.
Not doing a detailed review, but just going to give my general thoughts on this story.
After reflecting a bit about this one, I think the biggest thing for me was the length of this book. It was short, therefore felt very rushed at times. I wanted more development between Casey and Lil as they worked through issues after their past breakup as well as the fact she was engaged to his brother. There was a lot of potential that could have lead to really angsty moments, but it I just wasn’t feeling it. Things just came together quickly especially the love scene. That was kind of jarring with the speed of how their relationship progressed. Like one minute Lil was like she wasn’t going to get involved with Casey again, the they have that kissy moment then bam there were bed. It was just too fast even though they did date in the past and feelings for each other were still there even if they didn’t acknowledge it right away. I just like it should have been more of drawn out experience. A more memorable experience especially since they were not physical in the past. I wanted it to feel more special than it did, instead of rushed like it was. That just disappointed me.
I did like the themes that were in this story, but I wished there was more like the tension and angst. I wish it had some more romantic Christmas moments. I wish there was more of them stranded together during the blizzard to be played up more. I just wanted more exploration that I got.
They did have some romantic moments that I enjoyed like the cookie making scene. I liked the end scene where he decorated the cabin so she could have her Christmas. There were a lot little he did that showed he cared about her. I thought it was very sweet and lovely.
I liked the growth that Casey made throughout not only the story but his life. I liked that after he got in trouble, which caused the breakup with Lil he decided that he wanted to change and become a better person. I liked he stood up to his father. It really showed how far he came. How much of a man that he really was now and that he was finally worthy of Lil. I really liked Casey as a character.
Lil I was lukewarm about. I get why she acted the way she did, but at the same time I think her reaction to Casey was just not my favorite. There was something about her that I just didn’t connect with. Something was missing for me from her.
Even though the elements were good, I just felt it was missing something. I wasn’t feeling what I think I should have been feeling while reading it. It was just lacking something for me. Partly I think it was because I didn’t connect Lil, but there was also something more than that. It just felt lukewarm. There needed to be more development, more pacing, and less rushing. It wasn’t satisfying when the love scene happened because it was just too rushed. There was tension there between Casey and Lil, but again I didn’t feel it in a meaningful way. I did like Casey. I did like the Christmas moments that did happen. There were quite a few cute and tender moments between them, and I wished there were more of them. Overall it as just an okay read for me. I thought I was going to like it a lot more than I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2022
This is a short and quick read. It is perfect for the holidays and a second-chance romance.
Lil has decided to take off to the cabin during the holidays. Her ex-fiancé is getting married on Christmas – the same day they were going to marry the year prior. She can’t stand the pitying looks of the townspeople and their attempts at comforting her, which is just salt in an open wound.
She thought she’d spend the holidays alone, cozied in the cabin, but that’s not how things go. Someone else also winds up near the cabin during the storm. Turns out it is Casey Lanigan. Her young love crush.
Being sequestered inside for a while, they can’t simply ignore one another entirely. Eventually, things get said. Lil has experienced the emotional roller coaster of abuse, living her whole life with an alcoholic father – except during the holidays. But it was always false hope. Casey’s father, on the other hand, could find only his faults, never being good enough. After hearing it for so long, he started doing things for his father to indeed blame him for.
They met when Lil took a job working at Casey’s family business, Lanigan Greenhouses. They were put to work together. They were opposites and they attracted. But Lil set some boundaries, given what her father was like. All of his stints that landed him in juvie – over. She could not withstand the pain and humiliation if he were to be arrested.
And that’s exactly what happened. Lil cut him off. Lil felt betrayed; Casey felt betrayed. He left town and went off to prove himself and she went back to school. He came back once before to prove himself to her…to find her dating his younger brother.
Back again to work for the family business following his father’s heart attack, he is roped in to being the best man. There is more family fighting, and that’s how he wound up at the cabins to retrieve his gear one final time.
There’s more family drama that is revealed and unravels throughout the rest of the book. One that threw me for a loop!
Lil has decided to take off to the cabin during the holidays. Her ex-fiancé is getting married on Christmas – the same day they were going to marry the year prior. She can’t stand the pitying looks of the townspeople and their attempts at comforting her, which is just salt in an open wound.
She thought she’d spend the holidays alone, cozied in the cabin, but that’s not how things go. Someone else also winds up near the cabin during the storm. Turns out it is Casey Lanigan. Her young love crush.
Being sequestered inside for a while, they can’t simply ignore one another entirely. Eventually, things get said. Lil has experienced the emotional roller coaster of abuse, living her whole life with an alcoholic father – except during the holidays. But it was always false hope. Casey’s father, on the other hand, could find only his faults, never being good enough. After hearing it for so long, he started doing things for his father to indeed blame him for.
They met when Lil took a job working at Casey’s family business, Lanigan Greenhouses. They were put to work together. They were opposites and they attracted. But Lil set some boundaries, given what her father was like. All of his stints that landed him in juvie – over. She could not withstand the pain and humiliation if he were to be arrested.
And that’s exactly what happened. Lil cut him off. Lil felt betrayed; Casey felt betrayed. He left town and went off to prove himself and she went back to school. He came back once before to prove himself to her…to find her dating his younger brother.
Back again to work for the family business following his father’s heart attack, he is roped in to being the best man. There is more family fighting, and that’s how he wound up at the cabins to retrieve his gear one final time.
There’s more family drama that is revealed and unravels throughout the rest of the book. One that threw me for a loop!
December 31, 2020
I have given The Christmas Secret by Jeannie Watt four out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A very delightful, wintery quick read which gave me all of the cosy cabin vibes I wanted from this book. This is a story about second chances at love (one of my favourite tropes!), should Lil risk it all and give Casey a second chance or throw away what could be love altogether?
I really enjoyed this romance book, between two characters: Lil and Casey, who had a previous summer romance years ago before Lil met Curtis. Casey’s brother. However, as we find out in the first few pages of the book, Curtis and Lil were to be wed but unfortunately it didn’t go to plan and their relationship was over pretty quickly from that moment.
I loved the concept of this story, the jittery feelings I got from the scenes that took place between Lil and Casey, I couldn’t get enough of those two together! I would love to read more about their relationship together. I’m a complete sucker for second chance romances, it’s one of those tropes which always manages to punch me right in the feels, especially when the author is very good at writing. I could picture the imagery described so vividly, minus the blizzard I would love to take a trip to Lil’s cabin one day!
I hope to check out more of Jeannie Watt’s books in the future. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy short and sweet second chance romance novels.
A very delightful, wintery quick read which gave me all of the cosy cabin vibes I wanted from this book. This is a story about second chances at love (one of my favourite tropes!), should Lil risk it all and give Casey a second chance or throw away what could be love altogether?
I really enjoyed this romance book, between two characters: Lil and Casey, who had a previous summer romance years ago before Lil met Curtis. Casey’s brother. However, as we find out in the first few pages of the book, Curtis and Lil were to be wed but unfortunately it didn’t go to plan and their relationship was over pretty quickly from that moment.
I loved the concept of this story, the jittery feelings I got from the scenes that took place between Lil and Casey, I couldn’t get enough of those two together! I would love to read more about their relationship together. I’m a complete sucker for second chance romances, it’s one of those tropes which always manages to punch me right in the feels, especially when the author is very good at writing. I could picture the imagery described so vividly, minus the blizzard I would love to take a trip to Lil’s cabin one day!
I hope to check out more of Jeannie Watt’s books in the future. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy short and sweet second chance romance novels.
December 28, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. Although I feel the synopsis for the book that caused me to pick this book is a little misleading. It says that, Casey Lanigan shows up in the heart of the storm, her ex-fiancé's brother. That makes you think that Casey's brother was Lil's first choice; but actually Curtis, Casey's brother was really the second choice. She didn't really love Casey and Casey didn't really love her although they had become engaged. Casey was really Lil's one and only love. I like the whole book. I felt it was well written. The only think I didn't like was the occasional use of the word "f--k" which was totally out of place and was startling each time it was used primarily because there was no other profanity in the book and because it was so well written. And, it was the use of that "f--k" word and how it was used that I didn't give it 5 stars." I liked how at no point in the book did it feel rushed and it ended well.
This book does make me want to read, "The Montana Bride" by this author.
This book does make me want to read, "The Montana Bride" by this author.
October 30, 2017
Lil goes up to her cabin to be alone for Christmas and to miss the wedding of Curtis her ex-fiancé and sympathy of friends and family since the wedding is being held on the same date that she had chosen. Lil checked the weather forecast before going up to the cabin, no snow showing in
Forecast. Lil plans on having a Merry Christmas she brought all the trimmings to deck the cabin with, she put a pot on the stove with cinnamon sticks and spices to heat up and make the cabin smell like Christmas. She and miss Kitty were crocheting on the sofa when her ex-fiancées brother Chase who was her first love comes half frozen to her door. It had started to snow just after Lil had gotten to the cabin, and now was snowing even harder even though the weather forecast said no snow, and here was Chase her first secret love. This is a great afternoon Christmas read, good characters, simple plot, short story.
Forecast. Lil plans on having a Merry Christmas she brought all the trimmings to deck the cabin with, she put a pot on the stove with cinnamon sticks and spices to heat up and make the cabin smell like Christmas. She and miss Kitty were crocheting on the sofa when her ex-fiancées brother Chase who was her first love comes half frozen to her door. It had started to snow just after Lil had gotten to the cabin, and now was snowing even harder even though the weather forecast said no snow, and here was Chase her first secret love. This is a great afternoon Christmas read, good characters, simple plot, short story.
November 18, 2017
Yikes!
I knew I was getting into a different genre by reading this free book from my iBooks, but holy moly, I was not prepared.
Just to be clear, this is not a horrible book! It's bad, but not horrible. I really don't lean towards romances or these type of "pocket"-book so this was my first time experience.
The romance was so out of the blue, plot wise. There was no connection to the characters, so having Casey and his father make-up (?) I just didn't care about it.
The plot is so weird! Like, this one moment they're casually making chilli and the next moment she's biting his shoulder so she won't climax?
I don't want to spend too much time on what I disliked about the book, but it's cliched, predictable and frankly boring.
Props for you if you liked it!
I knew I was getting into a different genre by reading this free book from my iBooks, but holy moly, I was not prepared.
Just to be clear, this is not a horrible book! It's bad, but not horrible. I really don't lean towards romances or these type of "pocket"-book so this was my first time experience.
The romance was so out of the blue, plot wise. There was no connection to the characters, so having Casey and his father make-up (?) I just didn't care about it.
The plot is so weird! Like, this one moment they're casually making chilli and the next moment she's biting his shoulder so she won't climax?
I don't want to spend too much time on what I disliked about the book, but it's cliched, predictable and frankly boring.
Props for you if you liked it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
Love Casey and Lil.
Casey was a typical bad boy in high school getting into trouble all the time and clashing with his father frequently. Lil is the shy girl the worked for her father. They secretly dated for a while but then he got in trouble and she walked away from him, left for college and when she came back after college started daring his brother. After she walked away, Casey left town and built a business for himself but didn't come home often. Lil breaks off engagement to his brother. A year later they get snowed in at her cabin in the mountains by unexpected blizzard. Will they be able to work through their issues from the past and be able to move forward? Do they finally admit to their real feelings years ago and now?
Casey was a typical bad boy in high school getting into trouble all the time and clashing with his father frequently. Lil is the shy girl the worked for her father. They secretly dated for a while but then he got in trouble and she walked away from him, left for college and when she came back after college started daring his brother. After she walked away, Casey left town and built a business for himself but didn't come home often. Lil breaks off engagement to his brother. A year later they get snowed in at her cabin in the mountains by unexpected blizzard. Will they be able to work through their issues from the past and be able to move forward? Do they finally admit to their real feelings years ago and now?
January 8, 2017
Lil wanted to escape the wedding festivities of her formal fiancé who was getting married on Christmas Eve one year to the day that they were to be married. It wasn't that she was sorry that she wasn't marrying him. It was just that people couldn't help feeling sorry for her. So she decided to go to her cabin up in the mountains. She had never been there in winter before but she brought everything she needed to celebrate Christmas on her own. A freak blizzard brought her an unexpected visitor. The brother of the groom. A guy she had fallen in love with years ago. But he disappointed once too often so they parted company. How are they going to get along?
October 29, 2017
this was such a sweet surprise!
i am a huge fan of christmas, AND a romantic at heart, so this second chance romance that is set in the snowy mountains of montana on christmas eve / christmas was such an addicting and adorable read.
the writing was super strong and the dialogue seemed realistic and not forced like most of the fluffy romance books i've picked up before. my only complaint was that the sex scene seemed a little out of the blue, i thought i had missed a couple paragraphs of build up or something...
anyways, this was a fun read that i wish i would have discovered a tiny bit closer to christmas but oh well! it still gave me lots of feels.
i am a huge fan of christmas, AND a romantic at heart, so this second chance romance that is set in the snowy mountains of montana on christmas eve / christmas was such an addicting and adorable read.
the writing was super strong and the dialogue seemed realistic and not forced like most of the fluffy romance books i've picked up before. my only complaint was that the sex scene seemed a little out of the blue, i thought i had missed a couple paragraphs of build up or something...
anyways, this was a fun read that i wish i would have discovered a tiny bit closer to christmas but oh well! it still gave me lots of feels.
December 29, 2017
Sweet Second Chance Romance
Lil escapes to her cabin in the mountains to hide out from unwanted sympathy when her ex-fiancé and his bride-to-be decide to get married on Christmas Eve, the same date she and the groom had planned the previous year. Enter Casey, the groom's older brother, and Lil's first and secret love. They end up stranded together in her cabin where they are reacquainted, share confidences and old secrets are revealed.
If you are a fan of second chance holiday romance with some family resolution thrown in, then this is the story for you. Includes some heat, but no angst, which suits me fine.
Lil escapes to her cabin in the mountains to hide out from unwanted sympathy when her ex-fiancé and his bride-to-be decide to get married on Christmas Eve, the same date she and the groom had planned the previous year. Enter Casey, the groom's older brother, and Lil's first and secret love. They end up stranded together in her cabin where they are reacquainted, share confidences and old secrets are revealed.
If you are a fan of second chance holiday romance with some family resolution thrown in, then this is the story for you. Includes some heat, but no angst, which suits me fine.
December 26, 2019
Enjoyable Christmas Story
What makes a woman want to spend Christmas alone, in a cabin in the mountains, in Christmas? Her ex fiance getting married in Christmas eve, the same day her wedding was supposed to be. The cabin is hit by a blizzard, and then a knock at the door. Her ex fiance's brother! He is stranded on the mountain, and he is supposed to be the best man in,the wedding. Lil and Casey are going to make the best of the situation. There's a hitch: before Curtis, Lil dated Casey. This could get interesting, if not complicated. Nice story. The cabin sounds like a lovely place to spend Christmas.
What makes a woman want to spend Christmas alone, in a cabin in the mountains, in Christmas? Her ex fiance getting married in Christmas eve, the same day her wedding was supposed to be. The cabin is hit by a blizzard, and then a knock at the door. Her ex fiance's brother! He is stranded on the mountain, and he is supposed to be the best man in,the wedding. Lil and Casey are going to make the best of the situation. There's a hitch: before Curtis, Lil dated Casey. This could get interesting, if not complicated. Nice story. The cabin sounds like a lovely place to spend Christmas.
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